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Elliot Ziwira
Senior Writer
In the heart of Mberengwa East Constituency, Midlands Province, the newly completed Mataga Health Centre is a beacon of hope and testament to the Government’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare to all Zimbabweans.
This hi-tech facility, funded by the Government to the tune of US$210 million, is one of 35 facilities being built across the country under the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s agreement with British contractor, NMS Infrastructure Limited.
Under the contract signed on September 13, 2019, NMSI was tasked with designing, construction and equipping five 60-bed district hospitals and 30, 22-bed health centres.
Ministry of Health and Child Care Permanent Secretary, Dr Aspect Maunganidze, said the Government has already paid US$23 million for the first and second phases of the project.
Dr Maunganidze added that the first phase of the project has so far seen four 22-bed health centres being constructed in Stoneridge, Harare, Cowdray Park in Bulawayo, Runyararo in Chimanimani, Manicaland Province, and Mataga in Mberengwa, Midlands.
Three of the four centres have been officially opened, while the Mataga facility, located at Mataga Growth Point, is expected to be commissioned by President Mnangagwa. The second phase has already commenced with four 22-bed health centres under construction in Manhize, Chivhu, Mashonaland East Province, Rudhanda in Zaka, Masvingo, Paradza in Chivi South, Masvingo, and Lady Stanley in Bulilima, Matabeleland South.
The closure of inequalities, beginning with disparities in the provision of top-notch healthcare infrastructure in communities previously disenfranchised, has been President Mnangagwa’s priority since 2018.
With its sleek design and modern equipment, including anaesthesia machines, X-ray machines, ultrasounds, and vital signs machines, the Mataga Health Centre is poised to serve a catchment area of 61 000 people.
The facility’s completion marks a significant milestone in the Government’s efforts to bridge the gap in healthcare infrastructure between urban and rural areas.
“It’s a game-changer”, said NMS Infrastructure Limited director of business development for Sub-Saharan Africa, Alistair Johnston, on the sidelines of a recent site tour of Mashonaland East, Masvingo, Bulawayo, Midlands and Matabeleland South provinces.
“We’re proud to have been a part of this project, which will have a huge impact on the community of Mataga.”
Mr Johnston highlighted that they are raring to go on the second phase, which he said should be completed within eight months of commencement, with the early part of next year being their target.
The community is ecstatic about the new health centre, with residents expressing gratitude for the Government’s investment in their well-being. Residents of Mataga and surrounding areas no longer have to travel long distances to get quality healthcare.
“We’re excited to share this massive development,” said Samson Shumba. “The burden of travelling to seek access to healthcare facilities has been lessened. We used to travel to Musume Hospital, but now we have a modern facility right here.”
Like scores of other young locals, Mr Shumba was employed at the construction site, where he acquired new skills to sustain himself.
Another resident, Tendai Shumba, expressed the same sentiments, saying the transformation of the vast open space in their area into a modern healthcare facility, was, indeed, cause for celebration.
“We are truly grateful for this wonderful gift,” she said.
Mberengwa District Medical Officer, Dr Gabriel Ndagurwa, was bereft of words, saying describing the mini-hospital as important to the Mataga community was an “understatement.”
Online Reporter